Outlet & switch repair cost: 2026 price guide
A standard outlet or switch replacement costs $100 to $300. GFCI/AFCI outlets and multi-outlet jobs run $150–$500, mostly driven by the service call, not the device.
Outlet and switch repair is one of the cheapest electrical calls — the devices themselves cost $2–$25. What you’re really paying for is the service call and the electrician’s time verifying it’s safe: checking for a loose connection, confirming the circuit isn’t overloaded, and making sure the box isn’t damaged before closing it back up.
For broader electrical pricing, see our Electrical Repair Cost Guide.
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By repair type
Outlet & switch repair cost by type
Nationwide averages, device and labor included.
| Repair | Typical range | Average |
|---|---|---|
| Standard outlet replacement | $100 – $200 | $150 |
| Standard switch replacement | $100 – $200 | $150 |
| GFCI outlet install | $150 – $350 | $225 |
| AFCI breaker/outlet install | $175 – $400 | $275 |
| Dimmer switch install | $125 – $275 | $200 |
| Dead outlet/circuit diagnosis | $150 – $500 | $300 |
| New outlet install (existing circuit) | $150 – $350 | $225 |
| Diagnostic / service call | $75 – $200 | $125 |
Price factors
What drives the price up or down
Number of devices
Most electricians charge one service call fee plus a per-device rate — swapping 5 outlets in one visit costs far less per outlet than 5 separate calls.
Diagnostic complexity
A dead outlet with no obvious cause can mean tracing wire through multiple boxes to find a loose connection — this is where the bill grows.
Box condition
An outdated, undersized, or damaged electrical box sometimes needs replacing alongside the device — a small add-on most quotes don’t mention upfront.
Code requirements
Kitchens, bathrooms, and outdoor outlets require GFCI protection by code — a swap-in-kind might legally require an upgrade to GFCI instead.
Common questions
Frequently asked questions
A simple like-for-like swap with the breaker off is legal DIY work in most areas. Anything involving a new circuit, a GFCI/AFCI code requirement, or an unknown wiring problem is worth calling a licensed electrician for.
Outlets on the same circuit are often daisy-chained. A loose or failed connection at one outlet can cut power to every outlet downstream of it on that circuit — which is why one “simple” outlet fix sometimes takes longer than expected to trace.
Under current code, yes — kitchens, bathrooms, garages, and outdoor outlets require GFCI protection. Older homes are often grandfathered in until work is done on that circuit, at which point it typically must be brought up to code.
Need a repair estimate?
Connect with a licensed electrician to diagnose the issue and get a realistic, itemized price.